Devices, systems, and processes for cleaning the interiors of frac tanks

ABSTRACT

Provided are washout devices for cleaning the interior of a frac tank. In embodiments, the devices may comprise (i) a wand comprising a first pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe is positioned in parallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trusses connect the first pipe and the second pipe; (ii) a support member in communication with a proximal end of the wand such that the wand is suspended above and at a desired angle relative to the ground; (iii) one or more washout nozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe. Embodiments may also include a system and a process for cleaning the interior of a frac tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices, systems, and processes forcleaning the interiors of frac tanks. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to devices, systems, and processes that utilize a pairof pipes connected together and that have one or more washout nozzlesdisposed along the length of one of the pipes.

Description of Related Art

Frac tanks are typically used for fracking wells in the oil and gasindustry, and may be used to store a variety of fluids such as run-offwater, diesel fuel, glycol, oils, waste products, crude oil, oil orwater based drilling mud, crude based sludge, and flow back. FIGS. 1 and2 show perspective views of a typical frac tank 10. It is desirable tokeep these tanks clean to prevent cross contamination of fluids and toensure sediments and residues do not build up within the Frac tank.Existing washing devices and systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,261,109;7,089,949; 6,988,677; 6,378,791; 6,192,905; 5,720,310; 5,638,845;5,195,548; 5,033,490; 4,574,825; 4,413,785; 4,351,478; 4,244,523;4,220,170; 3,741,808; 3,645,452; 3,599,871; 3,104,672; 2,845,091;1,693,885; U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2014/0190517;2013/0213674; 2011/0246162; 2011/0047743; 2010/00025497; 2006/0065292;2005/0229954; 2005/0199269; and International Patent Application Nos. WO2014/023476 and WO 2008/113070. Current cleaning methods and devices aretypically manual often requiring extensive labor and confined spaceentry, or are complex and cumbersome, while in addition wand-typedevices configured for different applications typically do not scale upfor cleaning large tanks and for delivering high volumes of cleaningfluids at high pressure. Thus, there is a need in the art for improveddevices, systems, and processes for cleaning frac tanks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a device for cleaning the interiorof a frac tank. The device may comprise a first pipe, a second pipe,positioned in parallel with the first pipe, one or more trussesconnecting the first pipe and second pipe, and one or more washoutnozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe. In embodiments, thesecond pipe may be positioned below the first pipe. Further, the one ormore trusses may join the bottom of the first pipe with the top of thesecond pipe. Alternatively, the one or more trusses may be arranged inpairs that support the sides of the first pipe and second pipe. The oneor more trusses are joined to the pipes by welding or other similarsecurement methods. Further, in embodiments the second pipe may have adiameter that is smaller than the first pipe and the second pipe maycomprise a spout protruding from its proximal or distal end or both.Embodiments of the device may further comprise a sealing bungsurrounding the first pipe and second pipe at the device's proximal end.The first pipe and second pipe may be composed of a material ofsufficient strength-to-weight ratio that the device can support its ownweight along its length when held at its proximal end but free at itsdistal end. In one embodiment, the material is titanium. Further, inembodiments the pipes may be approximately the same length, or the pipesmay be of different lengths. For example, the first pipe can be longerthan the second pipe, or the second pipe can be longer than the firstpipe.

Embodiments of the invention also provide for a system for cleaning theinterior of a frac tank. The system may comprise a device of theinvention and an apparatus configured to move the device, wherein aproximal end of the device is operably connected to the apparatusconfigured to move the device and a distal end of the device is free.The apparatus configured to move the device may comprise one or moreactuators and one or more rails, and the one or more actuators may beconfigured to move the device along the one or more rails. The apparatusconfigured to move the device may comprise an actuator configured topivot the device 180°, and/or may comprise an actuator at the end of theone or more rails that is configured to pivot the one or more rails180°. Further, the apparatus configured to move the device may comprisean actuator configured to move the device forward and backward and/or anactuator configured to move the device laterally (left and right) and/oran actuator configured to move the device up and down. The device maycomprise a single actuator capable of this range of movements, ormultiple actuators. Further, the one or more actuators may be configuredto extend or retract the device and/or move the device laterally and/orup and down along the one or more rails.

Embodiments of the invention also provide for a process for cleaning theinterior of a frac tank. The process may comprise providing a device ofthe invention, supporting the device at its proximal end while keepingits distal end free, moving or extending the distal end of the deviceinto the frac tank through a manway port of a frac tank, and deliveringa cleaning solution through the one or more washout nozzles and/orspouts. The device used in the process may have any configurationdescribed herein. Embodiments of the process may also provide anapparatus configured to move the device that has any configurationdescribed herein. In embodiments, the distal end may be moved into thefrac tank by way of the actuator optionally along the one or more rails.In embodiments, the distal end of the device may be aligned with themanway port by way of lateral movement of the device with the actuatorprior to moving the distal end of the device into the frac tank. Theactuator may move the device laterally or up and down along the one ormore rails. In embodiments, the distal end of the device is movedsubstantially horizontally into the frac tank.

These and other embodiments and their advantages will be furtherdescribed in the foregoing Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects of embodiments ofthe present invention, and should not be used to limit the invention.Together with the written description the drawings serve to explaincertain principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a side, oblique perspective view of afrac tank suitable as an object of cleaning with a device, system, orprocess of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a front perspective view of a frac tanksuitable as an object of cleaning with a device, system, or process ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a washout deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-C are schematic diagrams showing front, cross sectional viewsof a washout device according to embodiments of the invention withdifferent truss support configurations. FIG. 4A shows an embodimentwherein a truss or trusses join the bottom portion of the top pipe withthe top portion of the bottom pipe, FIG. 4B shows an embodiment whereinone or more trusses join and support the sides of the two pipes, andFIG. 4C shows an embodiment wherein trusses are disposed at multiplepoints on the two pipes.

FIG. 5 is a photograph showing a front, oblique view of a washout devicesupported at one end according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a photograph showing a side, oblique view of the distal end ofa washout device aligned with a manway port of a frac tank according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a side, oblique view of a washout devicepositioned within the interior of a frac tank according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a system comprising a washoutdevice operably connected to an apparatus comprising one or moreactuators configured for pivoting, retracting and extending, and/ormoving the device left, right, up, and down according to an embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention. It is to be understood that the following discussion ofexemplary embodiments is not intended as a limitation on the invention.Rather, the following discussion is provided to give the reader a moredetailed understanding of certain aspects and features of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention provide for a device for cleaning theinterior of a frac tank. In embodiments, the device is configured as awashout device or wand that is configured to clean out the sides andbottom of frac tanks.

In a particular aspect, the washout wand may comprise a single pipe. Inanother aspect, the washout want may comprise more than one pipe (e.g.,at least two pipes, at least three pipes, at least four pipes, at leastfive pipes, and so on). The number of pipes used does not matter so longas the washout wand is able to carry out its intended function (e.g.,fit within a frac tank, wash a frac tank, etc.). The multiple pipes maybe connected together with braces or trusses between the pipes or alongthe pipe sides or both. The multiple pipes may be configured in acircular arrangement so that spouts or washout nozzles disposed on thepipes are configured to project radially outward from the pipes andproject in multiple directions. The bottom pipe(s) in the arrangementmay have spouts or washout nozzles disposed along the length of the pipeor on either end or both ends to clean the bottom of the tank.

In other embodiments, the multiple pipes may be used to performdifferent cleaning functions. It is envisioned that one pipe may delivercleaning agents/solvents (e.g., surfactants, acidic solutions, alkalinesolutions, etc.) to clean the tank, another pipe may deliver an agent torinse the cleaning agents/solvent (e.g. water) from the tank, and yetanother pipe may deliver a gas (e.g., air, hot or cold, etc.) to dry thetank, or one or more of these functions can be performed by a singlepipe.

In a particular aspect, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipes,each coupled to the other. The pipes need not be exactly parallel, andcan be disposed relative to one another at an angle for example rangingfrom 0-30 degrees. In aspects wherein the washout wand comprises morethan one pipe, the pipes may be approximately the same length or haveapproximately the same outside and/or inside diameter, or the pipes maybe of different lengths or outside or inside diameters. As used herein,the term “approximately” applied to a value refers to a value that is inthe range of plus or minus 10% of that value. Thus, “approximately 10”refers to any value from 9 to 11. “Approximately the same length ordiameter” indicates that the lengths or diameters differ by no more than10% of any length or diameter value. In some embodiments, the largerdiameter pipe is longer than the smaller diameter pipe. In otherembodiments, the smaller diameter pipe is longer than the largerdiameter pipe.

In other embodiments, the diameter of one pipe determines the diameterof the other pipe. In another embodiment, the length of one pipedetermines the length of the other pipe. In still another embodimentdiameter of one pipe determines the length of the other pipe. In stillyet another embodiment, the length of one pipe determines the diameterof the other pipe. In still another embodiment, the diameter of one pipedetermines the length of the washout wand. In still another embodiment,the length of one pipe determines the length of the washout wand.

In particular embodiments, the washout wand comprises two pipes,connected together by one or more trusses or braces. In one aspect, thetwo parallel pipes are two pipes of different diameter. In anotheraspect the two parallel pipes are two pipes of approximately the samediameter. In still another aspect, the two parallel pipes are two pipesof different diameter and different lengths. In yet another aspect, thetwo parallel pipes are two pipes of different diameter and approximatelythe same length. In yet another aspect, the two parallel pipes are twopipes of approximately the same diameter and different lengths. In yetstill another aspect the two parallel pipes are two pipes ofapproximately the same diameter and approximately the same length.

In a particular aspect, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipes,wherein the larger diameter pipe is positioned at the top of the smallerdiameter pipe. In still a more particular aspect, the washout wandcomprises two parallel pipes, wherein the larger diameter pipe ispositioned below the smaller diameter pipe.

In one embodiment, one or more trusses connect two parallel pipes alongthe length of the pipes. In another embodiment, one or more pairs ofbraces connect the pipes along the sides of the pipes. Anotherembodiment may provide a combination of these configurations. The bracesor trusses may be joined with the pipes through welding or other similarsecurement methods. Examples of pipe connecting members that can be usedinclude those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,398,034; 7,717,474;6,488,314; 6,435,565; 5,454,662; and 2,375,513; as well as in U.S.Published Patent Application No. 2008/0129039; and European Patent No.0041855.

The washout wand of embodiments of the invention comprises at least onepipe, wherein the at least one pipe further comprise one or more washoutnozzles (e.g., at least one washout nozzle, at least two washoutnozzles, at least three washout nozzles, at least four washout nozzles,at least five washout nozzles, at least six washout nozzles, at leastseven washout nozzles, at least eight washout nozzles, at least ninewashout nozzles, at least ten washout nozzles, and so on) projectingfrom the pipe. The washout nozzles or spouts are in operablecommunication with the pipe such that a washing fluid (e.g., water,brine, detergent, etc.) can be forced through the interior of the pipeat high pressure, into one or more of the nozzles and/or spouts, andsprayed within a container to be cleaned (e.g., a frac tank) at adesired pressure. Valves in operable communication with one or more ofthe nozzles and/or spouts can be used to turn on and off particularnozzles to achieve a desired spray pattern or arrangement.

The one or more washout nozzles can project from the top of the at leastone pipe, the side of the at least one pipe, the bottom of the at leastone pipe, the end of the at least one pipe, or combinations thereof. Ina particular aspect, the one or more washout nozzles project from thetop of the at least one pipe. In another aspect, the one or more washoutnozzles project from the side of the at least one pipe. In still anotheraspect, the one or more washout nozzles project from the bottom of theat least one pipe. In still yet another aspect, the one or more washoutnozzles project from the end of the at least one pipe. In yet stillanother aspect, the one or more washout nozzles project from the top,the side, and the bottom of the at least one pipe.

In particular aspects, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipeswherein at least one of the two parallel pipes further comprise one ormore washout nozzles projecting from the pipe. In a more particularaspect, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipes wherein both ofthe two parallel pipes (i.e., the top pipe and the bottom pipe) furthercomprise one or more washout nozzles projecting from the pipe. In stilla more particular aspect, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipeswherein one of the two parallel pipes (i.e., either the top pipe or thebottom pipe) further comprises one or more washout nozzles projectingfrom the pipe. In yet a more particular aspect, the washout wandcomprises two parallel pipes wherein the top pipe further comprises oneor more washout nozzles projecting from the pipe. In still yet a moreparticular aspect, the washout wand comprises two parallel pipes whereinthe bottom pipe further comprises one or more washout nozzles projectingfrom the pipe.

In a more particular embodiment, the top, or larger diameter pipe maycomprise one or more washout nozzles (e.g., at least one washout nozzle,at least two washout nozzles, at least three washout nozzles, at leastfour washout nozzles, at least five washout nozzles, at least sixwashout nozzles, at least seven washout nozzles, at least eight washoutnozzles, at least nine washout nozzles, at least ten washout nozzles,and so on) projecting from the top of the pipe. In a more particularaspect, the top, or larger diameter pipe may accommodate one to tenwashout nozzles.

In an exemplary embodiment, the washout nozzle is a patentedwater-powered device manufactured by GAMAJET under the trade namesGAMAJET IV, GAMAJET EZ-8 AND GAMAJET 88 (see U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,328 B2,hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) that rotates and spins360° to guarantee complete coverage within the frac tank. It isenvisioned, however, other types of washout nozzles may be used, and thewashout nozzles may be interchangeable on the device. In one embodiment,the bottom, or smaller diameter pipe further comprises a spout at bothends for cleaning the bottom of the frac tanks.

In embodiments, the washout wand device may include a sealing bung orgasket at its proximal end shaped and sized and configured for sealingwith the manway port of a frac tank. The sealing bung may have a ventfor allowing vapor to escape the frac tank during cleaning. The sealingbung may also act as a support or contribute to support of the washoutwand during use when the sealing bung is in communication with theaccess port of the tank.

In embodiments, the parallel pipes of the device may be made of astrong, lightweight metallurgical material that supports its own weight.Due to the strength of the material, the parallel pipes of the devicemay be inserted into the length of a frac tank with only support at theproximal end such that the length up to the distal end is supported bythe strength of the material. In one embodiment, the material istitanium. In embodiments, the material can be any one or more oftitanium, aluminum, gallium, germanium, carbon, molybdenum, vanadium,tantalum, niobium, manganese, iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper,silicon, or some combination of these, such as an alloy containing anyone or more of these, such as steel. The pipe may comprise a materialhaving a tensile strength in the range of about 500-2,500 MPa and/or adensity in the range of about 1.5-8 g/cm³ and/or a breaking length inthe range of about 15-35 km and/or a specific strength (tensile strengthdivided by density) in the range of about 150-500 kN·m/kg). In preferredembodiments, the pipes may comprise material with a specific strength ofabout 250-300 kN·m/kg and a breaking length in the range of about 20-35km.

Embodiments may also include a system for cleaning the interior of afrac tank. The system may include a device of the invention and anapparatus configured to move or control the positioning of the devicethat is operably connected to a proximal end of the device while thedistal end is free. The apparatus may comprise one or more actuatorsconfigured for inserting or retracting the device inside or outside atank, as well as actuators that move the device laterally and up or downand/or pivot the device 180°. In embodiments, the actuators may behydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuators. The actuators may positionthe device through movement along one or more track or rail componentsof the apparatus.

Embodiments may also include a process for cleaning the interior of afrac tank. The process may comprise providing a device of the invention,supporting the device at its proximal end while keeping its distal endfree, extending the distal end of the device into the frac tank througha manway port of a frac tank, and delivering a cleaning fluid, solution,or agent (such as water or brine) through the one or more washoutnozzles, thereby cleaning the interior of the frac tank.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of atank-cleaning device 20 according to the invention. Tank-cleaning device20 comprises upper pipe 28 and lower pipe 32 joined together through oneor more trusses 30 spaced at selected intervals between pipes 28, 32 toprovide vertical stability. In an alternative embodiment, pipes may bejoined at the sides by one or more trusses 30 spaced at selectedintervals to provide lateral stability. Upper pipe 28 is preferably oflarger diameter than lower pipe 32 and has washout nozzles 26 spaced atregular intervals along upper pipe. In embodiments, upper pipe 28 has athree inch diameter and bottom pipe 32 has a two inch diameter. In otherembodiments, upper pipe 28 has a diameter in the range of about 2 to 5inches, and lower pipe 32 has a diameter in the range of about 1 to 3inches. Wall thickness of the pipes may be schedule (SCH) 10. In otherembodiments, wall thickness may be SCH 5, or may be SCH 20, SCH 30, SCH40, SCH 60, SCH 80, or higher. Washout nozzles 26 may be the type thatare water-powered and rotate and spin to dispense cleaning fluid, suchas water or brine, in all directions (360°) for cleaning all sides ofthe tank. Additionally, lower pipe 32 can have one or more water spouts34A and 34B disposed at proximal end 21A and/or distal end 21B,respectively, for cleaning the front, back, or bottom of the tank sides.Device 20 can also include sealing bung 22. The sealing bung is shapedand sized for sealing an access port of a tank when the washout wand ispositioned in the tank. In an embodiment, the sealing bung can beconfigured to slide on shaft of pipes 28, 32. Sealing bung 22 caninclude vent 24 for ventilating tank during use.

FIGS. 4A-C show cross sectional views of the washout wand deviceaccording to embodiments of the invention with different truss supportconfigurations. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the device may take on avariety of configurations including where one or more truss 30A joinsthe bottom portion of the top pipe 28 with the top portion of the bottompipe 32 (FIG. 4A), and/or trusses 30B and 30C join and support the sidesof the two pipes 28 and 32 (FIG. 4B), or a combination of these (FIG.4C). However, the device may include other configurations not depictedhere. The top and bottom pipe can be joined together at any distancefrom one another. For example, the top pipe and bottom pipe can bejoined at a distance of 0 inches from one another without any connectingstructure, such as a truss, by welding or soldering the sides of thepipes together directly. If additional connecting structure is used tojoin the pipes together in parallel, the pipes can be spaced apart adistance between 0 and 10 inches.

In embodiments, it is not critical how spaced apart the pipes are fromone another, however, for cleaning frac tanks the spacing should bechosen such that the overall washout wand will fit into the access portof the frac tank.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a tank cleaning device 20 according to theinvention. In this figure, tank cleaning device 20 is held by a tractorbut can be held by any mobile support, such as a vehicle. Pipes 28 and32 of tank cleaning device 20 may be made of titanium. Embodiments oftank cleaning device 20 may have pipes 28 and 32 dimensioned to fitinside a frac tank of any size. A typical 21,000 gal (500 bbl) frac tankhas a length of approximately 40 to 50 feet, so in one embodiment, pipes28 and 32 are approximately 40 to 50 feet in length. However, pipes 28and 32 can vary in length between them, such as pipe 28 may be 42 feetin length and pipe 32 may be 45 feet in length, or pipe 28 may be 48feet in length and pipe 32 may be 45 feet in length, and vice versa. Inother embodiments, pipe 28 and pipe 32 are sized to accommodate othersized tanks, and may be provided at lengths anywhere from 20 to 75 feet.

Additionally, FIG. 5 shows that device 20 is self-supporting along itslength by virtue of the strength of the titanium. The device isoptimally designed such that it can support its own weight over verylong spans with zero support other than at one end. Titanium has theideal properties for this application, including corrosion resistanceand an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio (otherwise referred to asspecific strength). In preferred embodiments, the washout wand can haveat least one pipe with a length (measured from a support at the proximalend to the distal end) ranging from about 30 to 45 feet, and an outsidediameter of about 2-5 inches, and the diameter of the pipe is about 5%to 20% of the length of the pipe. In embodiments, the support at theproximal end can be a sealing bung or gasket and the length of the pipecan be measured from the proximal side of the gasket to the distal endof the pipe, or from the distal side of the gasket to the distal end ofthe pipe, or from any point on the gasket, such as the point ofcommunication between the gasket and access port of the tank during use,to the distal end of the pipe, or from a mid-point of the gasket to thedistal end of the pipe. The length measured is preferably theunsupported length of the wand.

In embodiments, the pipes can be open or closed at one or both theproximal and distal ends. The proximal end(s) can be connected to a hoseor other pipe configured to provide a cleaning agent, such as water orwater and detergent or brine, or the fluid can enter the side of thepipe at the proximal end of the pipe. The fluid can be provided at anylevel of pressure, with higher pressure being preferred for someapplications. The pressure of fluid flow in the top and bottom pipes canbe the same or different. In embodiments, the fluid pressure in the toppipe can be higher or lower than the pressure of the fluid in the bottompipe. The top or bottom pipe can be open or closed at the distal end. Inpreferred embodiments, the top pipe has a higher fluid pressure thanthat of the bottom pipe. The top pipe can be closed at the distal endand connected to a fluid source at the proximal end, such that duringuse fluid enters the pipe at the proximal end and travels along thelength of the pipe and is sprayed out through one or more nozzles underpressure. The bottom pipe can be connected to a fluid source at theproximal end of the pipe and the distal end can be open, such thatduring use fluid enters the bottom pipe at the proximal end and travelsalong the length of the pipe and is released at the distal end of thepipe, such as through a spout with or without a valve for closing thedistal end of the pipe. A nozzle for spraying fluid can instead be usedin place of a spout.

FIG. 6 shows the distal end 21B of device aligned with manway or accessport 40 of frac tank 10, while FIG. 7 shows device 20 positioned insidea frac tank. Shown in FIG. 7 are top pipe 28 with washout nozzle 26spaced at regular intervals.

FIG. 8 shows embodiments of a system 100 of the invention. System 100comprises device 20 attached to an apparatus 55 configured for movingthe device 20 at device's proximal end. Actuator apparatus 55 includesactuator 50 capable of pivoting washout wand 20, such as across a rangeof motion up to 180°, and/or capable of moving the washout wandlaterally and/or up and down, and/or extending and retracting the device(forward and backward). Actuator apparatus can also include one or moretracks or rails 54 which the device 20 moves along, laterally, up anddown, and/or forward and backward. Actuator apparatus can also comprisean additional actuator 52 at the end of the rails 54 capable of pivotingrails 54 up to 180°. Motion of the washout wand 20 in and out of thetank can be controlled using hydraulic motors and wheels operablyconnected to rails 54. The actuators may control left and right or upand down motion as well as forward and backward motion to position thedevice 20 inside or outside a frac tank.

The device 20 may be used to clean a variety of frac tanks used in theoil and gas industry. A process for using the device 20 may compriseproviding a facility where frac tanks are cleaned that has one or moreof the devices or systems described herein. Alternatively, the devicesor systems may be provided on-site at a fracking location. The processmay comprise providing a frac tank, inserting a distal end 21B of thewashout wand 20 inside port 40 of tank 10, advancing device 20 throughport 40 until sealing bung 22 blocks port 40, and administering cleaningsolution, such as water, through pipes 28, 32 such that the cleaningsolution is emitted through one or more washout nozzles 26 disposed onand in operable communication with top pipe 28 and/or water spouts 34Aand/or 34B disposed on and in operable communication with bottom pipe32. The distal end 21B of the device may be aligned with port 40 ormoved or extended into the tank 10 using an actuation system of theinvention. The distal end of the device can be inserted into the tanksubstantially horizontally into the interior of the tank, which mayinclude anywhere from a 0° to 30° deviation from horizontal. Likewise,the distal end of the tank may be inserted substantially parallel to thelength of the frac tank, which may include anywhere from a 0° to 30°deviation from parallel. In some cases, insertion of the device into thetank at an angle may be desirable when extra cleaning of one of thesides or top or bottom is needed. The actuation system can be used tomaneuver the washout wand into or within the tank according to suchneeds.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. In light of the disclosure providedabove, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the practice of the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may beused singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on therequirements and specifications of a given application or design. Whenan embodiment refers to “comprising” certain features, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments can alternatively “consist of” or“consist essentially of” any one or more of the features. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided inthis specification, each value between the upper and lower limits ofthat range is also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in therange as well. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is intendedthat the specification and examples be considered as exemplary in natureand that variations that do not depart from the essence of the inventionfall within the scope of the invention. Further, all of the referencescited in this disclosure are each individually incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties and as such are intended to provide anefficient way of supplementing the enabling disclosure of this inventionas well as provide background detailing the level of ordinary skill inthe art.

1. A device for cleaning the interior of a frac tank, comprising: a wandcomprising a first pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe ispositioned in parallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trussesconnect the first pipe and the second pipe; a support member incommunication with a proximal end of the wand such that the wand issuspended above and at a desired angle relative to the ground; one ormore washout nozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first pipe and the second pipe comprise amaterial having sufficient strength-to-weight ratio such that the devicecan support its own weight along its length when held at its proximalend but free at its distal end.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein thesecond pipe comprises a spout protruding from its proximal or distal endor both.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sealing bungsurrounding the first pipe and the second pipe at the proximal end ofthe wand.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pipe and thesecond pipe are approximately the same length.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the pipes each have an outside diameter and the diameter of thesecond pipe is smaller than the diameter of the first pipe.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the wand has an unsupported length in therange of about 30 to 45 feet measured from the support member and thefirst pipe has an outside diameter of about 2-5 inches.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first pipe and the second pipe comprise a materialhaving a specific strength of about 250-300 kN·m/kg.
 9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the material is titanium.
 10. A system for cleaning theinterior of a frac tank, the system comprising: a wand comprising afirst pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe is positioned inparallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trusses connect thefirst pipe and the second pipe; one or more washout nozzles disposedalong the length of the first pipe; one or more actuator apparatus incommunication with the wand; wherein a proximal end of the wand isoperably connected to the actuator apparatus and a distal end of thewand is free, such that the actuator apparatus supports and suspends thewand above and at a desired angle relative to the ground and is capableof moving the wand in a desired direction.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the actuator apparatus comprises an actuator configured to movethe wand forward and backward, right and left, and/or up and down. 12.The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator apparatus comprises one ormore rails in communication with the wand for moving the wand along theone or more rails.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the actuatorapparatus comprises an actuator configured to pivot the one or morerails 180°.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator apparatusis configured for pivoting the wand through a range of motion of up to180°.
 15. The device of claim 10, wherein the first pipe and the secondpipe comprise a material having a specific strength of about 250-300kN·m/kg.
 16. The device of claim 10, wherein the wand has an unsupportedlength in the range of about 30 to 45 feet and the first pipe has anoutside diameter in the range of about 2-5 inches.
 17. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the material is titanium.
 18. A process for cleaningthe interior of a frac tank, comprising: (i) providing a wand with aproximal end and a distal end, the wand comprising: a first pipe and asecond pipe, wherein the second pipe is positioned in parallel below thefirst pipe, and wherein one or more trusses connect the first pipe andthe second pipe; a support member in communication with the proximal endof the wand such that the wand is suspended above the ground at adesired angle; one or more washout nozzles disposed along the length ofthe first pipe; (ii) moving the distal end of the wand into a frac tankthrough an access port; and (iii) delivering a cleaning solution throughthe one or more washout nozzles.
 19. The process of claim 18, whereinthe wand comprises titanium.
 20. The process of claim 18, wherein thewand has an unsupported length in the range of about 30 to 45 feetmeasured from the support member, and the first pipe has an outsidediameter of about 2-5 inches.